It's notable enough that Sucker Punch came out swinging on the PlayStation 3 with a game that was... not Sly Cooper. Not that there's anything wrong with Sly Cooper--and InFamous does retain some of that series' most notable mechanics--but it was a treat to see this talented studio come up with a new, darker setting and wrap it around some of the best open-world gameplay of the year.
An intriguing story with twists and momentum, a slew of side missions that tied into the game world and the fiction, a moral-choice system without much contrivance but with real effects on the gameplay... and all of it swaddled in a rough, sinister comic book world full of larger-than-life heroes and villains that will certainly lend itself well to the game's inevitable sequels. InFamous is a textbook example of how to roll out a great new franchise and give it legs that will carry it into the future.
The quality and breadth of the competitive multiplayer in the sequel to Call of Duty 4 was always a given. But Modern Warfare 2 might have shipped without a single-player campaign at all, with only its Special Operations cooperative mode to supplement the multiplayer, and still felt like a complete, satisfying package. It's got to say something that your two-player co-op mode is more varied and intense and satisfying than modes that support, three, four, or more players in other games.
Spec Ops succeeds through its sheer number and variety of missions that have you doing everything from working tag-team with one player in the air and another on the ground, to working stealthily in tandem, counting down over your voice chat to pull off synchronized headshots. Every one of the 23 missions feels different and satisfying in its own way, and they're all completely new, punishing, insane experiences on Veteran difficulty. Spec Ops simply sets a new standard for cooperative online play.
If 2009 was the year of the zombie, let's all hope that 2010 is the year of games (and movies and TV and every other conceivable form of media) giving the undead a well-deserved break. We get it, zombies are scary/funny/ironic/insert-superlative-here. But Valve is still doing a fantastic job of using the undead tastefully that's easy to still feel good about. Left 4 Dead 2 amped up the action with a greater range of common infected enemies--zombies in HAZMAT suits, zombie riot cops, zombie clowns (!)--and a wonderfully visceral new dismemberment system that let you take those guys out by blowing their arms, legs, and heads off with glee.
And it must be said that the "special" infected enemies transcend the form of the zombie altogether. The new additions like the spitter, charger, and jockey act and attack in unique ways you'd never expect out of the docile, shambling mall-dwellers originally envisioned by George Romero. As long as Valve keeps expanding on the zombie milieu in such imaginative ways, we'd be happy to receive a third Left 4 Dead game any time.
All three of our nominees in this category aim to achieve very different things with their graphical presentation, and while each is stunning in its own way, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves takes it to another level. From the awesome scope of its exotic, international locales to the detailed character design and the incredibly fluid, naturalistic animation, the visuals consistently impress during both quiet dialog scenes and crazy explosive set-pieces. Even the way the camera moves can be impressive, and it says a lot when something so seemingly mundane has an appreciable positive impact on your experience. The graphics are a huge part of what makes Uncharted 2 such an effective thrill ride, and ultimately, this game is just a pure pleasure to look at.
A good ending to a story can serve a lot of purposes, not the least of which is tying the various threads of the plot together. But a great ending is one that also makes you stop and reflect on all the events that led up to it, and that's what the conclusion does in Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.
...You know, this is a really tough award to write about; the way Shattered Memories' story wraps up is such an important piece of the puzzle, giving away too much about it would diminish the effect of each individual preceding event, as it happens. The game gets stranger and more confusing as it goes, sort of like what David Lynch would probably make if he ever got into video game development. It's that last pivotal convergence of story vectors, the way the disparate parts of the mystery come together in the game's final moments that give all of it meaning and make you want to start right over, playing through again to view the game's scenes again in a different light. That those scenes can change dramatically and lead up to a new ending that's different in its particulars but consistent emotional impact is key to the game's success.
" What about Killzone 2 for best graphics runner-up?? "
This and...
@TwoOneFive said:
" runners up for best graphics: two games that cant compare to killzone 2. lol "
...this. If it'd be best art-style, then you'd definitly have a good list there, but killzone 2 definitly looks better than both of those runners uppers. "
well maybe you just anwsered your own question, maybe for them art direction is important in choosing best graphics "
Yeah, but Batman: Arkham Asylum wasn't too incredible in the art style. And the faces weren't done so well, like always in the UE3. It seems like they didn't want to change the category into "Best Graphics on the PS3".
Infamous was the second game I took on (after MGS4) when I finally broke down and bought a PS3. It's so cool. The comparisons between it and Prototype actually made me temper my expectations for it. This ain't no Prototype. Infamous made me love open world games again like when GTA3 first came out.
" I really disagree with MW2 for best co-op. Once you beat those missions on veteran, there is no pull to go back and play them at all. And yeah. Where's Killzone 2 on the runners up for best graphics? "
Yeah WTF!? Shoulda been L4D2 or New Super Mario Bros Wii "
...Seriously. I mean, MW2 Co-op just felt like two guys on the same mission. There wasn't really any co-op IMO. I mean, sure, you're technically working together towards a common goal. But you don't really -need- eachother like in L4D2.
Or maybe I just missed out on the awesome Spec-Ops missions where you really needed your significant other.
Some odd nominations there for best co-op. Borderlands and New Super Mario Bros immediately spring to mind as being much more enjoyable than Resident Evil 5 or MW2. And never really got into inFamous the way everyone else did so would have given that to Borderlands as well. But hey, user voted categories approaching so I shall try to refrain from complaining.
Borderlands doesn't even get a nod for co-op?!? Not saying it would be my pick, but knowing that Jeff and Drew love it so much makes it seem like it'd be a given--also the fact that it's built for co-op (then again, so i L4D2).
L4D2 deserves the COOP award ;/. Demon's Souls should of been honorable mention as well. And Killzone 2 deserves best graphics. Uncharted 2 is good and colorful but still, it doesn't beat Killzone. Sure it's gray...but it still has some incredible looking stuff in it.
" no batman:AA , demon's souls or dragon age at least nominated on new debut? .... day by day i disagree more with the staff, but i love GB forum's :) "
The staff either didnt like Demons souls or never got around to playing it, same goes for Dragon age (more on the never got round to playing side of things). Although all the staff really enjoyed Batman AA Jeff loved the hell out of Borderlands (and other staff enjoyed it but to a lesser extent). I do think Batman should of been a runner up instead of Shadow complex but I imagine the fact that Shadow complex was just a downloadable game which was of a quality some would say of Batman pushed it over the edge
" no batman:AA , demon's souls or dragon age at least nominated on new debut? .... day by day i disagree more with the staff, but i love GB forum's :) "
The staff either didnt like Demons souls or never got around to playing it, same goes for Dragon age (more on the never got round to playing side of things). Although all the staff really enjoyed Batman AA Jeff loved the hell out of Borderlands (and other staff enjoyed it but to a lesser extent). I do think Batman should of been a runner up instead of Shadow complex but I imagine the fact that Shadow complex was just a downloadable game which was of a quality some would say of Batman pushed it over the edge "
quicklooked Demon's Souls but by the way they talked about it I highly doubt they played much of it. ahem...Gamespot gave Demon's Souls GOTY. just sayin....it's a great game that seems a lot of people chalk up to being crap because it's "too hard". Which it isn't too hard, fyi. So much to do in that game that I highly doubt most people even understand what's all in that game.
It's my GOTY that's why I'm so adamant at complimenting it :p
Glad to see Infamous getting some recognition, a lot of people seem to be forgetting it came out this year.
Uncharted 2 was an obvious pick, and I am glad even Plants v Zombies got a Runner-Up nod.
That said, MW2 got best co-op? I can see it getting best competitive or even best multiplayer, but I think Uncharted or L4D2 would be better picks for co-op
Best Debut? What is the criteria for this? I think that this award should have gone to Dragon Age. Seriously, with how good that game is, there is no reason it should go to some bald retard shooting lightning out his ass. Just saying. I don't like bald video game characters.
still some good awards. it's nice to see infamous getting recognition, although i'm not so sure about ratchet and clank's nomination for best graphics. i mean having played all of the nominees in that category, i still think killzone 2 deserves the nomination more than r&c.
" Why is there no special feature page for this year's awards? All of this stuff going to be announced in blog posts? Lame. "
Yeah it feels like a downgrade from last year's GOTY awards. "
I like the podcasts that go along with these awards though. But they sure are short. I'll still take them over some fancy page. Although, didn't they have videos to go along with these awards last year?
" Why is there no special feature page for this year's awards? All of this stuff going to be announced in blog posts? Lame. "
Yeah it feels like a downgrade from last year's GOTY awards. "
I like the podcasts that go along with these awards though. But they sure are short. I'll still take them over some fancy page. Although, didn't they have videos to go along with these awards last year? "
that attitude of "do not like, do not care" is what angers me, many good games have lost the coverage they deserve while some others "hahahah thats fun" have more coverage than they derserve, perhaps more partners to diversify the favoritism would be nice .
" @handlas:@Pie: that attitude of "do not like, do not care" is what angers me, many good games have lost the coverage they deserve while some others "hahahah thats fun" have more coverage than they derserve, perhaps more partners to diversify the favoritism would be nice . "
I agree with you. But at least some games get love on other sites. These are Giant Bomb's favorites so you gotta go with what they like I suppose. However, I'm pretty surprised to see Infamous win any award tbh. It was alright. The devs hyped up the moral system quite a bit and really it had NO EFFECT on the story's outcome and it just gave you a few different powers. The ending was the exact same. That was pretty disappointing. I cringe to say it but I think Prototype is more deserving than Infamous (cringe because I was all for Infamous over Prototype before the games came out and then I played them both)
At least there is some variety tho. I can already see what the user's GOTY awards will be. Which I'll disagree with completely.
Discussing the most heated opinions: In my opinion, the best graphics award combines the best graphics from its artistic point of view and its technical point of view. Killzone 2 was amazing at a technical level, but mediocre in the artistic side (bullets and firefight involving guys with masks. Where did I see that already?!) Uncharted 2 was was very good in both views. Regarding co-op I don't have much opinion (I normally don't play co-op). Spec ops looks more structured for co-op than Borderlands. As Left 4 Dead 2. Between those 2 pick one. About best debut: I haven't played Infamous. Can't say anything about that. Haven't finished Dragon Age. It's an amazing game. But is it the beginning of a franchise? Maybe, it plays out so it is a single experience.
" What about Killzone 2 for best graphics runner-up?? "
This and...
@TwoOneFive said:
" runners up for best graphics: two games that cant compare to killzone 2. lol "
...this. If it'd be best art-style, then you'd definitly have a good list there, but killzone 2 definitly looks better than both of those runners uppers. "
well maybe you just anwsered your own question, maybe for them art direction is important in choosing best graphics "
Yeah, but Batman: Arkham Asylum wasn't too incredible in the art style. And the faces weren't done so well, like always in the UE3. It seems like they didn't want to change the category into "Best Graphics on the PS3".
"
It's not the PS3's fault. Shouldn't change your criteria to carter to an audience. Maybe a category for best graphics technical and best graphics artistic was needed.
" @handlas:@Pie: that attitude of "do not like, do not care" is what angers me, many good games have lost the coverage they deserve while some others "hahahah thats fun" have more coverage than they derserve, perhaps more partners to diversify the favoritism would be nice . "
Demons soul did get GOTY at gamespot which is pretty big. Anyway I need to get back to blowing fools away in 1943
" @handlas:@Pie: that attitude of "do not like, do not care" is what angers me, many good games have lost the coverage they deserve while some others "hahahah thats fun" have more coverage than they derserve, perhaps more partners to diversify the favoritism would be nice . "
Demons soul did get GOTY at gamespot which is pretty big. Anyway I need to get back to blowing fools away in 1943 "
it won quite a bit of awards acutally didn't it? Reading the comments is funny. So much anger about it. And you know just about everyone that bitches hasn't even touched the game which is the sad part. They want the cookie cutter winner...Modern Warfare 2.
I wonder how many people here actually visit this site on a regular basis... if so, how can you not know that none of them played demons souls (except vinny, and even he didnt play it much), and most of them didnt play dragon age. why is it such a surprise they are not included in categories. Its like the people bitching yesterday that ryan didnt ut sf4 in his list when its a known fact he doesnt care for the game
There's a lot of whining in this thread. I don't know why so many people get so riled up about this stuff. There are some people in here that make it sound like the GB staff just forgot about many great games that came out this year. GOTY awards aren't based on some kind of exact science; these are the games that according to GB have earned their award (or nod) because they had the best experience with those games.
@ Everyone: Guys! Guys! This's there opinion. The thing we came to this site for. The thing that created the idea of this site in Jeff, Ryan's, Vinny's and Brad's head's after Gamespot forced Jeff out. This's there opinion. Which mean's if they bow to pressures created by dissapointed/displeased fan's then they'd fail to be the people we respect anylonger.
I'm not trying to paint them as pure and holy, as I know they're far from it, lol. But if you disagree with their opinion (I do, but I also respect their right's to it, and liking certain games, and intend to check some of the games they talk about out when I get the chance. If I haven't already done so.) then go make your own list and tell us what you think your top 10 are. I'd gladly read it and believe that list too. I'd also probably disagree with it in a few key areas, lol. But I'd still understand why you'd chosen certain games for each category over other's. Your opinion.
Please try to give the Bombcast guy's the same concession. As they would do exactly this for you with your "Top 10 of 2009 list."
Killzone 2 should have been nominated for best graphics, indeed. Batman : AA doesn't even have very good graphics maxed on out PC. Not a bad game, but it's not a looker by any means.
Left 4 Dead 2 should have gotten Best Co-op.. though I've never played Spec ops in MW2.. these choices seem like individual choices and not the consensus of a group of people.
Hate to whine but I have to agree that Killzone 2 certainly had far better visuals than Batman: AA, and more technically impressive than R&C. I wonder if anyone besides Jeff ever got to playing it, I don't remember them even talking about it outside of that one podcast.
" @handlas:@Pie: that attitude of "do not like, do not care" is what angers me, many good games have lost the coverage they deserve while some others "hahahah thats fun" have more coverage than they derserve, perhaps more partners to diversify the favoritism would be nice . "
They play what interests them, I don't see a problem with that. Would you rather have them forced to play games they don't want to and have the quality of the coverage suffer?
Gotta disagree with inFamous taking best debut over Borderlands or even Dragon Age: Origins. Borderlands may not have gotten the same high reviews, but the 360 version alone in two months has almost outsold inFamous in five months (and crushed it cross-platform). The 360 version of Dragon Age is also on pace to outsell it dramatically (and has outsold it cross-platform). Maybe that's just the weak sony platform, but I would put both of those games as being better debuts.
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